Mathers appointed NSWRU President

 

As a player Mathers represented the Waratahs on 14 occasions, and played two Test matches for Australia in a distinguished career on the field. Mathers also had the honour of captaining the Wallabies in non-Test touring matches. 

 

He has held the position of Vice-President of NSWRU for the last three years, prior to that he held positions on the Unions Judicial panel and was Team Manager of the Waratahs in the early days of Super Rugby.

 

Former World Cup winning fullback Marty Roebuck was elected to the vacant Vice Presidents position. 

 

Since representing the Wallabies and Waratahs, Roebuck has continued his involvement in the game, coaching the NSW Country Cockatoos in the late 1990s and as physiotherapist and kicking coach to the Waratahs in Super Rugby.

 

In his report to the AGM Gavin acknowledged the support of the Honorary Life Members and congratulated all affiliates on another successful year of community rugby in New South Wales. A special congratulations to the Waratahs on the Super Rugby title for 2014.

 

Speaking on behalf of Chairman Nick Farr-Jones, Director Kerry Chikarovski thanked the Board, members of the Union and particularly the volunteers for their commitment to rugby all around the state, highlighting the success of NSW representative teams at all levels of the game. 

 

The members welcomed the endorsement of Richard Shaw as an Honorary Life Member of New South Wales Rugby. Shaw accepted the nomination for over 30 years of service to the Union in various capacities for Northern Suburbs Rugby Club, Sydney Rugby Union and NSW Rugby Union, including terms as a Director and Manager of the Waratahs.

 

NSWRU recorded a financial surplus of $191k for the 2014 year attributed to increased funding under the licensing agreement for the Waratahs which totaled $1.537k.

 

Executive Director Bruce Worboys thanked the Board, particularly Chairman Farr-Jones and President Gavin, for their tireless work for community rugby.  He also acknowledged the efforts of the dedicated employees of NSWRU, Suburban and Country Rugby and NSW Referees.